Cavalier Z24R 180 Serves as Testbed to Evaluate Engine Enhancements, Body Kits

The Cavalier Z24R 180 is one in a series of five Cavaliers that Chevrolet has modified for the tuner crowd. The Z24R front-wheel drive sedan uses the 2.2-liter Ecotec engine as a platform for creativity.

“We designed the Z24R to reflect the hip-hop, techno culture and fashion lifestyle and to meet the performance demands of today’s youth,” said Remon Jiddou, associate creative designer, Delphi Automotive Systems. “It’s also a showcase for us to develop and evaluate a wide range of parts and body kits intended for those inclined to customize and personalize their vehicles.”

This vehicle demonstrates the street performance potential of the 2.2-liter Ecotec engine. The engine has been modified with an upgraded crank, pistons, cam and connecting rod to provide 180 hp. The 16-valve, double overhead cam engine features GM OEM aluminum block and heads, crankshaft, aluminum pistons, valve springs and Wheel to Wheel camshafts. The Ecotec engine is mated to a four-speed Hydra-Matic 4T40-E automatic transmission.

The Z24R 180 has a unique body kit that includes front and rear fascias, side rocker moldings and taillamps. The vehicle is coated in Nippon Ramone Blue custom mixed three-coat paint. The base coat is a silver mirror, the mid coat is a mirrorized tinted blue and the top coat is by Sherwin Williams. Window trim is Nippon mirrorized blue/black paint.

The interior trim features a body-colored instrument panel, and the console and door trim are coated in Nippon Mirrorized Platinum and Nippon Ramone Blue. Door trim inserts carry the Z24R theme. The vehicle also has custom floor mats in laser-cut stainless steel with laser-cut rubber diamond plate inserts. The steering wheel, a Sparco Lap 5 model, has a brushed aluminum hub in body color. The custom seat trim is by Delphi Industrial Design using Pollack Platinum Metal essence vinyl and Pollack Black Rhea range simulated in vinyl. The Z24R also has an Eclipse Auto System.

It has a Wheel to Wheel fabricated tubular stainless steel exhaust manifold and fabricated stainless steel exhaust system, Borla muffler and dual three-inch Borla exhaust tips. The 180 rolls on 19 x 18-inch Hagen model Axis wheels and Toyo Proxes T1-S tires. The suspension features Mantapart full coil-over sports struts and adjustable steel top camber plate kit. A Stainless Steel brand Service Parts Operations brake upgrade completes the package.

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